‘Autocracy Is Already At Our Gates’
May 22, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: We used to live in New York City, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in Baltimore, Maryland.
For the last 30 years, we’ve lived happily in Lexington. Virginia seems to have the spirit of both southern and northern states, and its people have a strong geographical sense for both.
Along with many friends and acquaintances here, we are concerned for the future of our democracy, for what will be left of the country we’re handing to the children that follow us.
There’s much evidence already in the Trump administration of higher prices, of unjust deportations and imprisonments, and of very serious discord between the executive and judicial branches. The already super-rich are offered tax breaks, while the middle class and poor see their rightful hopes and opportunities threateningly whittled away.
It is our freedom that is endangered here — the freedom to advance by hard work, to complain without being silenced, to disagree without being singled-out or deported. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of might may destroy, but cannot disjoin them.” Democracy offers everyone freedom, while autocracy stands adamantly in its way.
We believe that autocracy is already at our gates, indeed shows its face right now. This did not just suddenly happen. Everything we observe points to a conspiracy to overthrow our democracy. Christians, Jews, and persons of all faiths may have their differences, but we must unite now in the renewed belief that we are all created equal and need freedom equally!
Autocrats with their superrich friends cannot protect us, but democracy can.
Conspiracy to overthrow our democratic government is unconstitutional and illegal : it is also a grave moral wrong! R. JOHN BLACKLEY BARBARA LACHMAN Lexington
Letters Page
Appropriate
For National,
State Issues
May 21, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: David Reynolds’ recent letter is reminiscent of his columns in the old Rockbridge Weekly. This is particularly true of his apparently regretful assertion: “We no longer say, ‘If it didn’t happen in Rockbridge, it didn’t happen.’” It is difficult to accept the idea that no one in this part of Virginia would have an interest in, or concern for, outside issues that just might affect life in the Rockbridge area.
Tip O’Neill was not wrong when he stated that “all politics is local.” It is true that more and more matters that are debated in Richmond and Washington, DC., have roots in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County -- and vice versa. It might be interesting to read the obituary page, but the letters to the editor page is the appropriate one for this purpose. DAVID E. DAX Lexington
Column
Appreciated
May 21, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: I just read Glenn Rose’s column in your May 21 issue (“The Gettysburg Address, 2025”). I think it’s one of Glenn’s finest in conception, substance and rhetoric.
With much appreciation, GEORGE KOSOVIC Lexington
Science
Foundation
Cuts Will Do ‘Irreparable
Damage’
May 23, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: President Trump’s executive order to remove 55% of the National Science Foundation’s budget has resulted in the termination of hundreds of grants, the cancellation of new awards, and the resignation of the director. These alarming developments have caused me to reflect on how the NSF has influenced the nation’s science and technology.
In 1945, Vannevar Bush, the leader of U.S scientific research in World War II, published a report, “Science - The Endless Frontier.” The report advocated for government support of basic scientific research to ensure U.S. prosperity, health and national security. It emphasized the importance of free, unrestricted scientific inquiry and proposed a new agency to fund university research. Bush’s recommendations laid the groundwork for the formation of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which has resulted in U.S. leadership in science and technology.
Since its formation in 1950, NSF-funded research has resulted in valuable innovations, including the internet, barcodes, and wireless technology. At present, it funds projects including giant telescopes and Antarctic research stations (https:// www.nsf.gov/impacts). Its education and outreach programs have played a role in advancing scientific literacy and engaging the public.
During my time as a chemistry professor at small colleges, NSF provided me with opportunities for research at larger institutions. It also funded my undergraduate research projects at Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. As an NSF grants administrator for undergraduate education, I witnessed the impact of funding for instrumentation in college science laboratories and community college programs that partnered with industries to train much-needed technicians.
I am deeply concerned that reductions in NSF funding will do irreparable damage to our nation. We depend on scientific research and education to improve the quality of our lives and strengthen the nation’s security. I ask you to write to your congressional representatives urging them to oppose any cuts in funding for programs and staff at NSF and the National Institute of Health. FRANK SETTLE Lexington
Contempt
Rulings
Could Not
Be Enforced
Under Bill
May 26, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: On Memorial Day, as we remember those who gave their lives fighting to protect our freedoms and to bring freedom for others, I cannot help but be astonished at the Trump administration and its supporters in Congress.
Specifically, this provision included in reconciliation bill that passed the House: “No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c), whether issued prior to, on, or subsequent to the date of enactment of this section.”
The impact of this provision is that contempt rulings would not be enforceable. In other words, no one really has to follow the decisions made by our courts.
How can anyone say they respect our soldiers when they would vote to dismantle checks and balances, the cornerstone of democracy?
If you are concerned, please contact your senator so they know how you feel as the Senate considers the reconciliation bill. Go to senate.gov and click on the search bar at the top, right next to the American flag. SARAH BARRASH WILSON Lexington
